caught a glimpse of a man's figure disappearing
into a small pine wood at the back of his house, and when his
invaluable Mary brought him in his tea, he inquired who her visitor had
been.

"Oh, sic a nice young felly!" said Mary enthusiastically. "He's been a
soger, wounded at Mons he was, and walking to Berwick to look for a
job."

Though simple, the minister was not without some sad experience of
human nature, particularly the nature of wounded heroes, tramping the
country for jobs.

"I hope you didn't give him any money," said he.

"He never askit for money!" cried Mary. "Oh, he was not that kind at
a'! A maist civil young chap he was, and maist interested to hear
where you were gaun, and sic like."

The minister shook his head.

"You told him when I was leaving, and all about it, I suppose?"

"There was nae secret, was there?" demanded Mary.

Mr Burnett looked at her seriously.

"As like as not," said he; "he just wished to know when the man of the
house would be away. Mind and keep the doors locked, Mary, and if he
comes back, don't let him into the kitchen whatever cock-and-bull story
he tells."

He knew that Mary was a sensible enough woman, and having given her
this warning, he forgot the whole incident--till later.

Tuesday was fine and warm, a perfect day on which to start a journey,
and about mid-day Mr Burnett was packing a couple of bags with a sense
of pleasant anticipation, when a telegram arrived. This was exactly
how it ran:--

"My friend Taylor motoring to Edinburgh to-day. Will pick you and
luggage up at Manse about six, and bring you to my house. Don't
trouble reply, assume this suits, shall be out till late. DRUMMOND."

"There's no answer," said Mr Burnett with a smile.

He was delighted with this change in his programme, and at once
countermanded his trap, and ordered Mary to set about making scones and
a currant cake for tea.

"This Mr Taylor will surely be wanting his tea before he starts," said
he, "though it's likely he won't want to waste too much time over it,
or it will be dark long before we get to Edinburgh. So have everything
ready, Mary, but just the infusing of the tea."

Then with an easy mind, feeling that there was no hurry now, he sat
down to his early dinner. As he dined he studied the telegram more
carefully, and it was then that one or two slight peculiarities struck
him. They seemed to him very trifling, but they set him wondering and
smilin